merrill enrichment center april 2021 take monday …

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Inside This Issue: Classes .......................................................... 2 Fitness ........................................................ ...3 Support Groups & Community .................... 4 Craft Shop .................................................... 6 Activities....................................................... 7 Brain Fitness ................................................. 9 Wellness ..................................................... 10 Did You Know? .......................................... 11 Calendar ...................................................... 12 Mission Statement Dedicated To Enhancing Lives and Bringing Generations Together Core Values Include, Encourage, Volunteer, Create MEC Team L to R Tammie, Stephanie, Vicki April 2021 MERRILL ENRICHMENT CENTER Hours Monday through Thursday 8am - 4:30pm 303 N. Sales Street 715-536-4226 ALL AGES WELCOME ENRICHMENT CENTER COMMITTEE MEETING April 15th at 2:15 MEC Conference Room Community attendance via conference # Phone: 530-832-8068 PIN: 606 742 942 # Meetings will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted. Committee Members Laura Bertagnoli (Chair), Paul Russell (Alderperson), Gene Bebel, Rose Akey, Sharon Harvey, Jennifer Clark - ADRC Rep. TAKE ME I’M FREE! We will continue to allow a maximum of 25 participants in our Expo area in a given timeframe. We are fortunate to have two spaces to work in; the MEC space will allow a smaller number of people for activities. *Please note this could change at any time* If you have ANY symptoms of COVID-19 you should not be in the building or anywhere in public. PLEASE WEAR A FACEMASK TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS You are required to wear a facemask at all times. If you do not have a facemask, we will have them available at our front desk. We will consistently maintain safe physical distancing and sanitizing practices. Most activities and classes will require sign up by calling the Center at 715-536-4226. We will have limits on class sizes. Gigi’s Exercise classes No sign up required for Chair Yoga or S&B. 10am Mon. & Wed. SAVE THE DATE SPRING CRAFT SHOW SATURDAY MAY 1ST 9AM - 2PM REGISTRATION OPEN! PUNCH CARDS AVAILABLE ! Punch cards available for the following activities: Chair Yoga & Strength & Balance Stop by the front desk to purchase your card! Activity fees $2 activity fee for playing cards $3/day fee This fee allows you to take advantage of multiple activities in one day rather than paying a separate fee for each. If a craft class meets multiple days, the cost is only $3 Thank you to Char Seetan & Ardis Marquis for their donations and support

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Inside This Issue:

Classes .......................................................... 2

Fitness ........................................................ ...3

Support Groups & Community .................... 4

Craft Shop .................................................... 6

Activities ....................................................... 7

Brain Fitness ................................................. 9

Wellness ..................................................... 10

Did You Know? .......................................... 11

Calendar ...................................................... 12

Mission Statement Dedicated To Enhancing Lives and

Bringing Generations Together Core Values

Include, Encourage, Volunteer, Create

MEC Team L to R

Tammie, Stephanie, Vicki

April 2021

MERRILL ENRICHMENT CENTER

Hours Monday through Thursday 8am - 4:30pm

303 N. Sales Street 715-536-4226

ALL AGES WELCOME

ENRICHMENT CENTER COMMITTEE MEETING April 15th at 2:15

MEC Conference Room Community attendance via conference #

Phone: 530-832-8068 PIN: 606 742 942 # Meetings will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month

unless otherwise noted. Committee Members

Laura Bertagnoli (Chair), Paul Russell (Alderperson), Gene Bebel, Rose Akey, Sharon Harvey,

Jennifer Clark - ADRC Rep.

TAKE

ME I’M FREE!

We will continue to allow a maximum of 25 participants in our Expo area in a given timeframe. We are fortunate to have

two spaces to work in; the MEC space will allow a smaller number of people for activities.

*Please note this could change at any time*

If you have ANY symptoms of COVID-19 you should not be in the building or anywhere in public.

PLEASE WEAR A FACEMASK TO

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS You are required to wear a facemask at all times. If you do not have a facemask, we will

have them available at our front desk.

We will consistently maintain safe physical distancing and sanitizing practices.

Most activities and classes will require sign up by calling the Center at 715-536-4226. We will have limits on class sizes.

Gigi’s Exercise classes No sign up required for Chair Yoga or S&B.

10am Mon. & Wed.

SAVE THE DATE

SPRING CRAFT SHOW SATURDAY MAY 1ST

9AM - 2PM REGISTRATION OPEN!

PUNCH CARDS AVAILABLE ! Punch cards available for the following activities:

Chair Yoga & Strength & Balance Stop by the front desk to purchase

your card!

Activity fees $2 activity fee for playing cards

$3/day fee

This fee allows you to take advantage of multiple activities in one day rather than paying a separate fee for each.

If a craft class meets multiple days, the cost is only $3

Thank you to Char Seetan &

Ardis Marquis for their donations and support

2

Classes

Painting with Amy Acrylic Paint on Canvas

Amy is an acrylic painting instructor. Her business is Create A-Way Paint Parties and

Therapeutic Arts Returning in May

Cricut Class Learn, Make, & Take

April 20th at Noon Cost $10

Whether you have been using your Cricut for years or just beginning, this will be the class for you.

Project this month is

Paper and Fabric Flowers

Join Karen for Cricut Class where you will make a craft using a Cricut cutting machine. Participants will

need a device (laptop or iPad) with Cricut Design Space downloaded.

Call the Center if you have any questions about this class

or any of our offerings or activities.

Please call to register, space is limited. 715-536-4226

Painted Glass Your Choice...

In-Class Project or Take Home

Do you have a favorite quote or verse?

In this class we can turn that into a piece of art! We’ll be using oil paint markers and

acrylic paint.

April 21st at 1:00pm Cost $10

We will have limited seats and limited amounts

for take home. Please call 715-536-4226 to reserve your spot in class or your take home kit, for pickup during business hours.

Guitar Lessons

8 weeks April 6th-May 25th Tuesday evenings 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Cost $40

Ages 12 and up. Need to bring your own guitar

Call to sign up! 715-536-4226

NEW EVENING CLASS OFFERING! Cricut Club

Tuesday April 20th Come in anytime between 4-6:30pm

Cost $10 Please call and let us know if you are planning to attend.

Karen will be available to help you with any questions or help you need with your current project.

Please bring all materials along with your device.

Beginning to advanced users are welcome!

Karen has 10+ years experience and is looking forward to sharing techniques on how to use your Cricut machine!

Participants will need a device (laptop or iPad) with Cricut Design Space downloaded.

Sewing Class Beginners welcome! In this class Karen will be teaching how to make/ sew fabric baskets. You choose the size you’d like to make and

the fabric you’d like to use.

April 6th at 11am or 4pm

Cost $10, if bringing your

own fabric. $15, if using fabric from

the Center.

For more details, or to register call 715-536-4226

Space and sewing machines are limited.

No experience necessary

3

Fitness

Chair Yoga Instructor Gigi Heinz

Every Monday 10 – 10:45am Our $3 daily activity fee covers class cost

Yoga can reduce pain for people with arthritis, back and neck pain, and other chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. Yoga can reduce stress through breath and relaxation which helps lower blood pressure, and heart rate, improve digestion, ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Yoga helps increase strength in both muscles and bones, improves circulation for better brain and heart health and improves mobility & flexibility to help you enjoy more activities. Gigi is a certified Yoga Therapist with over 20 years experience leading group health, fitness, and yoga. Join Gigi for 45 minutes of gentle stretching, breathing, and relaxation. All yoga will be supported with a chair. You will be encouraged to listen to your body and only move in ways that make your body happy!

Every Wednesday 10 - 10:45 am

Instructor Gigi Heinz Our $3 daily activity fee covers class cost.

Join Gigi for a Strength & Balance class where all exercises will be supported by or with a chair. We will begin class with a warm-up, move into strength and balance for all major muscle groups, and end with stretching. Many exercises can be done with the resistance of your own body weight, but if you would like to add weight you can bring your own set of hand held weights. Most begin with 2-3 pound size, others may work up to 5 pounds or more depending upon the exercise.

All levels are welcome! Gigi will offer modifications as needed.

Walk at the MEC/Expo!

Call to schedule a time. One hour blocks. Please see back calendar for available days.

No activity fee for walking We have pedometers for you to track your steps.

There are approximately 2000 steps in a mile.

FOR YOUR SAFETY, PLEASE BRING WALKING SHOES to change into when you enter the building. The floor can be slippery when wet. Thank you for your cooperation.

MAT CLASS OFFERINGS WITH GIGI Mondays 8:15-9:30 Yoga Strength Wednesdays 8:15-9:30 Mat-based yoga mixed level

8 week sessions available DATES March 1st - April 21

Mondays: Yoga Strength A mat-based yoga practice designed to build strength, improve flexibility and balance. Strong focus on proper alignment. Modifications offered. Wednesdays: Yoga Mixed Level A mat-based, moderate level class, with options offered to increase or decrease amount of challenge. Modifications offered. Please bring your own mat, blankets & weights. Student fees 8 week session, one class per week is $80, two classes per week is $144, carry over only at discretion of Gigi. Drop- ins are $12. Registration & payments handled by Gigi. Register via text or call 715-297-6540.

Payments will be either cash or check and collected the first day of class.

Yoga Mat Class: Mixed-level class open to everyone, modifications will be offered. This is a mat-based yoga class. Participants should have mobility to move from floor positions to standing. The class will run Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, for 4 consecutive weeks. The class dates are April 13th, 20th, 27th and May 4th. You can pre-pay $32 for the four weeks or drop-in for $8 per session. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Evening Class!

Support Groups & Community

4

Feeling empty? Like no one gets it?

Not interested in things

you once were?

Overwhelmed with life?

A support group is a gathering of individuals who share a common goal. In a group setting, individuals are able to

express how they feel and what they do to cope. Come join this group to give and receive support in

dealing with depression.

Where: Merrill Enrichment Center 303 N. Sales Street Merrill, WI 54452 When: April 7th at 1pm Who: Anyone seeking support in dealing with depression Cost: FREE

Ashley Miller MS, Mental Health Specialist

For more information call the MEC

at 715-536-4226.

Spring is in the air! Have you ever thought about making a patio garden? The T. B. Scott Library is hosting a virtual event planned for April with just that in mind!

GARDEN PIZZA FUN!! -- VIRTUAL EVENT Tuesday, April 13, from 6 – 7:30 pm Call to register and join us for a fun night of all-things pizza for this virtual event! Advance registration is encouraged so that a PIZZA GARDEN FUN KIT is ready and available for you. The virtual event will begin with a brief introduction to patio gardening. With the supplies that will be provided by the Library in the "PIZZA GARDEN FUN" KIT, virtual attendees will plant their own pizza garden seeds -- tomatoes, green peppers, oregano, and sweet basil. We will discuss transferring plants from the starter container and how to take care of them. The evening will end with a demonstration on how to make your own pizza from what you have grown. Yum! Yum! Might we suggest you enjoy a pizza for dinner before or after the event! If you have any questions, please call us at 715-536-7191, or visit our website to check out all the events we are planning at www.tbscottlibrary.org.

Serving adults and children who experience domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse,

harassment, stalking and human trafficking.

24 hour crisis/support line 715-536-1300

Toll free: 1-855-888-9272

Your journey is yours…we are here to walk with you

It’s not always easy to find free time from day to day. Yet, these precious hours where you’re disengaged from your usual obligations can offer an opportunity to indulge in activities you genuinely enjoy. Having a hobby is more than just doing something fun — it’s about dedicating time and energy to something that brings you joy and ignites your passions. There are many reasons to get a hobby — and for lots of people, the health benefits top the list. We’ve put together five compelling reasons why hobbies are good for your mental health (see list to the left). Hobbies come in all shapes and sizes. They can be creative, academic, physical or just plain relaxing. Some of the most popular options include: Sports and Exercise, Music, Painting, Reading, Journaling, Gardening, Fishing. The main difference between doing a hobby and just doing something fun is your level of engagement. Binging a TV series is enjoyable, but that kind of activity seldom feeds your need for meaning or purpose. When you fully

engage yourself in something you love, it serves as a healthy distraction from anything you’re not doing. In addition to the obvious benefits of staying physical, engaging in a group activity with others provides incredible advantages to your mental health by: Increasing your social connections, Teaching you how to deal with setbacks and challenges in a healthy way, and Improving your sleep.

For the full article go to: https://7summitpathways.com/blog/2020/09/

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpiseniors.com Merrill Enrichment Center, Merrill, WI A 4C 01-1129

1007 E 1st Street Merrill WI 54452

715-536-2020

1105 East Main StreetMerrill, WI 54452

Phone: 715-539-3311

Dan C. Koblitz Attorney & Counselor at LawIntegrity • Compassion • Commitment

• Probate Avoidance, Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney • Real Estate • Title Insurance

www.koblitzlawfirm.com • Email: [email protected]

When home is where you want to beKeeping you at home with compassionate home health and hospice care.Home Health — 800-397-0270Hospice — 800-643-4663

ascensionathome.com

Serving the community since 1934

Richard A. Stine | Leah D. Reist903 East Third St. | Merrill, WI 54452

715-536-6244

Taylor-Stine FUNERAL HOME

& CREMATION

SERVICES

1203 E. Third St. | Merrill 715-536-6532

www.chipshamburgersmerrill.com

Full Automotive Sales, Service, Detailing & Rentals

715.536.1900400 East 2nd Street

Merrill, WI 54452

www.autojockeys.com

Family Owned & Operated

24-hour Nursing

Physical,Occupational and

Speech Therapies

1-to-1 Patient-to-Therapist

1970 Navajo Street

Rhinelander, WI 54501

Rennes Health & Rehab Center

www.rennesgroup.com

715-420-0728

State-of-the-art Therapy

Rehab Equipment

Inpatient or Outpatient

Short-Term, Long-Term or

Respite

Foster Grandparents Share Today. Shape Tomorrow.You could be the one that makes

a difference in a youth’s life!If you enjoy offering: • One-to-One Guidance and Companionship to Youth in a Supervised Setting. • Making a Difference in your Community. • Building mutually beneficial friendships. If you are age 55 or older, meet income criteria, and able to maintain 15 to 28 hours of service per week. Then you are exactly what we are looking for!

For your generous donation of time and talents, we provide Free Lunches, TAX FREE MONEY, and additional incentives.

If interested call: Cindy or Jim at 715-539-1645

Merrill Area Housing AuthorityJENNY TOWERS

AFFORDABLE UNITS FOR RENT1 bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom duplexes and 3 bedroom homes for

rent for elderly, disabled and families.Some amenities may include stove, refrigerator, laundry, trash removal service, on site beauty salon, heat, water, electric, Dish available at a

reduced rate, garages and off-street parking.

CALL NOW TO SPEAK TO THE PROPERTY MANAGER AT

715-722-1081 PRESS 3 or visit our website at www.merrillha.com

Certain Income Restrictions Apply

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Merrill Area Housing AuthorityPARK PLACE & WESTGATE LLCAFFORDABLE UNITS FOR RENT1,2,3 & 4 bedroom units income

based for individuals and families.

Some amenities may include a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher,

laundry, trash removal service, heat cable & Wi-Fi available at a reduced

rate and off-street parking.

CALL NOW TO SPEAK TO THE PROPERTY MANAGER AT 715-722-1081 PRESS 2 or visit our website at

www.merrillha.comCertain Income Restrictions Apply

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Contact Alex Nicholas to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x2538

Craft Shop & Craft Show

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Curb-side pickup available. Check out our Facebook page for more pictures.

New items added weekly.

Hours M - Th. 8am-4:30pm

Call 715-536-4226

Spring Craft Show May 1st, 9am-2pm

We are excited to have a wide variety of arts, crafts and a few vendors at this show.

Stop on in and take a look, and support your local crafters, don’t forget to swing by the Ed & Sharon’s food truck before you go!

Face masks are required

New stained glass items!

Beautiful Towels

Check out this Rock art!

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpiseniors.com Merrill Enrichment Center, Merrill, WI B 4C 01-1129

FUNERAL ANDCREMATION SERVICE

301 Eagle Drive, Merrill, Wisconsin 54452Phone (715) 536-4646 • www.WaidFuneral.com

WAID

The Best ServiceMakes All The Difference

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MPPG0041-01-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.

Concerned about Medicare fraud? Give us a call…

PROTECT your personal information

DETECT suspected fraud, abuse, or errors

REPORT suspicious claims or activities

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Care & Support

MERRILL CENTER OUTPATIENT COUNSELING

715.536.9482

“It’s my life and they respect that.”

Local long-term care supports and services delivered with a focus on Life. Defined by you.

Life. Defined by you.

inclusa.org | 877-376-6113

7

Activities

Book Club April 20th at 1:00pm The group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00pm.

Upcoming Books

April– You Suck At Cooking– Susannah Felts May– The Book of Last Names– Kristin Harmel June– Looking For Miss America– Margo Mifflin July– The Jesus Cow– Michael Perry

Newcomers always welcome!

Quilting, Tying & Sewing We are currently working on a number of quilts for outreach and would welcome volunteers to help. Anyone need to unload unused fabric? We need clean fabric for backing quilts. We welcome any other ideas to help out our community!

Call us (715-536-4226) or stop in to learn how you can give back to

your community!

Ping Pong - Excellent Game for the Brain! (Studies show improved cognitive function, and lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Ref: (Memory Rescue, Dr. Amen, 2017)

MEC now has a Ping Pong table! We are excited to be able to offer some more

physically distanced fun. No activity fee for playing.

Times will be available on Monday and Wednesday afternoon and

all day on Tuesday. (unless otherwise noted on the back calendar)

If you are interested in coming in to play Ping Pong give us a call at 715-536-4226 to reserve a time.

CORNHOLE / BEAN BAG TOSS Great exercise activity which allows for safe

distancing! We have the rules available if needed. Must call to schedule a time.

No activity fee for playing. 715-536-4226

WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER A NEW ACTIVITY!

Put your thinking caps on and join us for a fun filled game of trivia.

A variety of topics will be covered including music, history, sports, movies, and more!

APRIL 22ND AT 10AM

COST IS $3 Prizes will be awarded.

Individuals welcome, teams (up to 4) encouraged.

Please call 715-536-4226 to register.

BINGO

Join us on APRIL 15th at 10:00am for some Bingo!

Cost $5, includes a treat bag to-go.

Please call 715-536-4226 to register, space is limited.

Guys Group Newcomers Welcome!

The guys meet Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10am Join them for coffee & conversation.

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Merrill Enrichment Center, Merrill, WI C 4C 01-1129

9

Brain Fitness

Test your smarts with these rebus puzzles

Rebus puzzles, also known as word picture puzzles or picture riddles, use images or words to convey a phrase or message, typically a common idiom or expression. To help you solve them, make sure to look at word placement, size, color, and quantity. Take your time and don’t give up. These can be pretty tricky.

2.

8.

6. 5.

3.

9.

1.

7.

4.

10. 11. 12.

RD.COM

Answers are on page 11

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Wellness

Mind & Body Wellness Course Instructor Tammie Mrachek - MEC Director

April 15th, 22nd, 29th from 9am-Noon

Call now to sign up. 715-536-4226 (Maximum of 8) There is no cost for this Course.

Funding provided by Security Health Plan.

The MEC with the financial support of Security Health Plan is excited to offer Mind & Body Wellness!

The goal of this program is to provide participants with educational material and activities designed to promote brain health; ultimately

empowering people to lead a healthy lifestyle and remain independent. Emphasis will be placed on the growing evidence that lifestyle choices like nutrition, exercise, mental and

social activities can positively impact your brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. The program will combine fun and educational mind games to challenge participants to keep their brains active.

In addition, we will learn how easy it is to make healthy meals, snacks, and desserts. Finally, we will participate in 10 minute exercises that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, including yoga, meditation, walking, and strength exercises.

Where are my glasses? Oh, on my head!

I lost my keys….again! Sound familiar?

We can help you with that!

7 Best Food Pairings That Fight Inflammation Check out a few of our favorite power pairs below, and learn why two is always better than one. Leafy greens + olive oil Research shows that combining vegetables and a source of healthy fat enhances absorption of antioxidants like lutein and beta-carotene. Lutein, an antioxidant in leafy greens, is known to diminish inflammation in the eyes, therefore helping prevent neurodegenerative disorders like age-related macular degeneration. Beta-carotene, another antioxidant, has been shown to lower all-over inflammation in older adults. Drizzle some olive oil over your next salad to ensure you get more bang for your buck. Spinach + blueberries Whip up a smoothie with spinach and blueberries and drink it before and after your workout. In one study, athletes who ate blueberries every day for 6 weeks reduced post-workout inflammation, while other research shows spinach can improve breathing and the flow of oxygen during a workout. The nitrate present in spinach helps muscles work more efficiently during exercise, while blueberries help decrease muscle soreness after exercise. Bring on the smoothie! Lentils + lemon If you're a premenopausal woman, you're at risk for iron deficiency anemia (having too few healthy red blood cells due to too little iron in the body). According to the Iron Disorders Institute, this reaction results from an inflammatory response, and it can limit the amount of iron available to the rest of your body. Eating iron-rich foods, such as lentils and beans, together with citrusy foods high in ascorbic acid and carotenoids, like lemon, substantially increases the amount of iron absorbed. Sweet potatoes + cayenne pepper Spicy sweet potato fries can do more than satisfy a craving. Sprinkling some cayenne pepper or chili powder on orange foods rich in beta-carotene, like sweet potatoes and butternut squash, enhances vitamin A absorption. Vitamin A has been found to be beneficial in inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, as well as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Raspberries + grapes Raspberries and grapes are both high in antioxidants, and science shows that when it comes to antioxidants, two are better than one. Raspberries contain ellagic acid, which is known to enhance the ability of quercetin, found in grapes. When combined, they are inflammation-fighting machines. Studies say this combination can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and lung cancer. Almonds + kefir Add some chopped almonds to a bowl of kefir for a happy, healthy gut. Like yogurt, this dairy product provides tons of beneficial bacteria and probiotics to the belly. To boost the friendly stomach bacteria, eat almonds with your kefir. Research shows the fiber in almond skin acts as a prebiotic, which feed the probiotics found in kefir, and creates protective intestinal bacteria that fights off chronic intestinal inflammation (and diseases like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and chronic pouchitis). Garlic + onion + brown rice Garlic and onion may give you bad breath, but they're a great addition to whole grains, such as brown rice and wheat pasta: Together, they can more than triple the body's absorption of zinc. In one study, elderly people who took zinc supplements decreased their risk of chronic inflammation-related diseases (think atherosclerosis, cancer, neurodegeneration, and immunologic disorders) by 66 percent.

Full article can be found on Prevention.com

11

Did You Know?

1. Split pea soup

2. Try to understand 3. Green house

4. What goes up must come down 5. Travel over seas 6. In between jobs

7. Split level 8. Metaphor 9. Trail mix

10. Win with ease 11. Forgive and forget 12. Safety in numbers

Brain Fitness Answers

10 Red-Hot COVID Scams Vexing Older Americans

With the demand for COVID-19 vaccines outpacing the supply, appointments are difficult to make. The conundrum has prompted scammers — hard at work throughout the pandemic — to seek new ways to steal money and personal information from older Americans, federal officials warned on Feb. 23 during an hour long ―COVID-19 Scams and Older Adults‖ webinar.

Here's what officials said are among today's red-hot COVID-19 scams:

1. Vaccine scams. You can't pay to skip the line, reserve an appointment spot or join a clinical trial. Be wary of inbound calls or texts that ask for your Social Security number, financial details or insurance information to reserve your spot. There also have been reports of scammers impersonating local health departments and vaccine providers. Never share personal, financial or medical information with people you don't know. If your pharmacy sends you a text, don't respond; instead reach out with a phone number you know is legit.

2. Vaccine-for-sale scams. Ignore ads touting vaccine for sale from an online pharmacy or elsewhere. It is not.

3. Contact tracing scams. Genuine contact tracers will not ask for money or your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number. Nor will you be asked to disclose your immigration status.

4. At-home test kit scams. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized at-home diagnostic tests for COVID-19, scammers are posing as Medicare representatives and asking for Social Security numbers in exchange for what they purport is a free test kit. Some promise overnight delivery. Don't believe it. Instead check with your health department to find a legitimate testing site.

5. Government payment scams. Government agencies will not ask you for payments via cash, gift cards, wire transfers or crypto currency.

6. Air filter scams. Fraudsters are emailing, texting, calling and sending letters claiming they have air filters that ―will remove COVID-19 from the air in your home.‖ The claim is false.

7. Charity scams. Any emergency or disaster leads to a spike in fraudulent charities, so do your homework before giving, especially if the request arises on social media.

8. Errand scams. Bad actors will offer to go to the store for you or do another errand, but run off with your money without delivering the goods or performing the task. Instead of paying a stranger, ask for help from a trusted neighbor or friend.

9. Package scams. Last fall leading up to the holidays, there was a rise in text messages with links that led to websites impersonating legitimate delivery companies. Victims were asked for money or personal information for the delivery of bogus packages or goods they never ordered.

10. Peer-to-peer (P2P) mobile payment scams. Exercise caution if you are asked for a fast digital payment. The Venmo app, for

example, points out that it is intended for use only between friends and others they trust. The same applies to similar apps.

Full article can be found https://www.aarp.org

12

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1.

Guys Group 10:00 Walking in Expo

All Day

CENTER CLOSED FRIDAYS

5.

Mat-based Yoga Strength 8:15 Chair Yoga 10:00

6. Sewing Class 11:00am OR 4:00pm Guys Group 10:00 Mat-based Yoga Mixed 5:30 Guitar lessons 5:30

7.

Mat-based Yoga Mixed 8:15 Strength & Balance 10:00 Depression Support 1:00

8.

Guys Group 10:00

Walking in Expo

All Day

12.

Mat-based Yoga Strength 8:15 Chair Yoga 10:00

13.

Guys Group 10:00 Mat-based Yoga Mixed 5:30

Guitar lessons 5:30

14.

Mat-based Yoga Mixed 8:15

Strength & Balance 10:00

15. BINGO 10:00

Guys Group 10:00 Committee meeting 2:15

19.

Mat-based Yoga Strength 8:15 Chair Yoga 10:00

20. Guys Group 10:00 Cricut 12:00 Book Club 1:00 Cricut Club 4:00 Mat-based Yoga Mixed 5:30 Guitar lessons 5:30

21.

Mat-based Yoga Mixed 8:15 Strength & Balance 10:00 Painted glass class 1:00

22.

TRIVIA 10:00 Guys Group 10:00

26.

Mat-based Yoga Strength 8:15 Chair Yoga 10:00

27.

Guys Group 10:00 Mat-based Yoga Mixed 5:30

Guitar lessons 5:30

28.

Mat-based Yoga Mixed 8:15 Strength & Balance 10:00

29. Guys Group 10:00

NO ACTIVIES OR WALKING

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK Merrill Enrichment Center

MEC

Also find our Newsletter online at our City Website, http://www.ci.merrill.wi.us/

Click on City Government/Departments/ Enrichment Center.

Walking in the Expo is available most days. Please call to schedule your one hour time slot.